Will I Lose My Disability if I Work Part-time?
Our Social Security Disability lawyers understand that receiving disability benefits can provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or other disabling conditions.
However, we also recognize that many individuals who receive these benefits are eager to return to work, even if it’s on a part-time basis. A common concern that many of our clients have is whether working part-time will result in losing their disability benefits.
Disability law is full of nuances, and whether or not you can work while receiving disability benefits depends on several factors.
In North Carolina, there are various types of disability benefits that an individual may receive, and the rules can differ based on the type of benefits you’re receiving.
Below, we’ll explore the potential impact of part-time work on your disability benefits, as well as provide some guidance on how to approach this issue.
Disability Benefits in North Carolina
Before addressing the question of whether part-time work could affect your benefits, it's important to understand the two primary types of disability benefits that are available under North Carolina law: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program for individuals who have worked for a certain period of time and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have a qualifying disability that prevents them from working and must have accumulated sufficient work credits. The benefits are typically paid monthly, and the amount you receive depends on your work history and earnings before becoming disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
SSI is also a federal program, but the eligibility requirements are different from SSDI. SSI doesn’t require you to have a work history or paid into the Social Security system, but it does require that you meet strict income and resource limits.
Both programs have different regulations regarding the amount of income you can earn while still receiving benefits. While part-time work may not automatically disqualify you from receiving these benefits, it’s important to understand how your work history and income levels impact your eligibility under North Carolina disability law.
How Does Part-Time Work Affect SSDI?
If you’re receiving SSDI benefits, it’s important to know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a limit on how much you can earn and still be considered “disabled.”
This limit is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold. The SSA defines SGA as the amount of work and earnings that an individual can perform despite their disability.
As of 2025, the SSA disability law generally considers an individual working at or above the SGA limit to be able to engage in substantial gainful activity, and therefore, ineligible for SSDI.
For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA limit is $1,470. For blind individuals, the SGA limit is $2,460 per month. If your earnings exceed these thresholds, the SSA may review your disability status and determine that you’re no longer eligible for SSDI benefits.
For many individuals, part-time work may not exceed the SGA limit, especially if they have a disability that significantly limits their ability to work. This means that as long as your part-time job doesn’t bring in more than the SGA amount, you may still be eligible for SSDI benefits.
However, it’s important to note that even if your income from part-time work is below the SGA threshold, the SSA will still review your case periodically to confirm that you continue to meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
The SSA may look at your ability to work full-time in your part-time role, as well as whether you’re engaging in work that involves significant physical or mental exertion. If your ability to perform substantial work improves, your disability benefits could be reduced or terminated.
How Does Part-Time Work Affect SSI?
For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the rules regarding income are somewhat different.
Unlike SSDI, where earnings are measured against the SGA threshold, SSI benefits are reduced based on the amount of income you earn. If you earn income from part-time work, that income will be counted toward your monthly SSI benefit amount, and it may reduce the amount of SSI you receive.
Under SSI rules, the SSA applies a formula to determine how much of your income will be counted. First, the SSA excludes the first $65 of monthly earnings. After that, they count only half of the remaining earnings.
For example, if you work part-time and earn $1,000 per month, the SSA will first exclude $65, leaving you with $935. They will then count half of that amount, or $467.50, as income. This means your SSI benefit would be reduced by $467.50 for that month.
This formula means that part-time work won’t automatically result in the loss of SSI benefits, but it may reduce the amount you receive.
It’s important to keep in mind that the SSA periodically reviews SSI eligibility to confirm that your income continues to meet the program’s eligibility requirements. If your income from part-time work exceeds the SSI income limits, your benefits could be reduced or terminated altogether.
Trial Work Period for SSDI Recipients
If you’re receiving SSDI under disability law and want to test your ability to work part-time, you may be eligible for a Trial Work Period (TWP). The TWP allows individuals receiving SSDI to test their ability to work without immediately losing their benefits.
During the TWP, you can work as much as you want and earn any amount of money without it affecting your SSDI benefits.
The TWP lasts for up to 9 months and doesn’t have to be consecutive. During this period, any month in which you earn more than the SGA threshold counts as a TWP month.
Once you’ve completed 9 TWP months, the SSA will review your ability to continue working, and if you’re able to perform substantial gainful activity, your benefits may be stopped.
The Trial Work Period is a valuable option for individuals who are unsure whether they can return to work but want to test their ability to do so without immediately losing their SSDI benefits. It provides some security and flexibility to ease the transition back into the workforce.
Substantial Gainful Activity and Special Conditions
There are certain exceptions to the Substantial Gainful Activity rule for individuals receiving SSDI benefits. In some cases, the SSA won’t consider income from part-time work as substantial if the individual’s disability is severe enough to significantly limit their ability to work.
Additionally, if you’re working part-time but in a sheltered or supported work environment (where accommodations are made for your disability), your earnings may not be counted toward the SGA threshold.
Furthermore, some individuals may be eligible for “expedited reinstatement” of SSDI benefits under disability law if they lose their benefits after returning to work but later become unable to continue working due to their disability.
This option provides a safety net for individuals who are temporarily able to work but later experience a relapse or worsening of their condition.
Working While Disabled
The decision to return to part-time work while receiving disability benefits is a personal one that must be carefully considered. If you’re receiving SSDI or SSI benefits and wish to explore part-time work, it’s essential to keep track of your income and report it to the SSA to avoid potential overpayments.
Additionally, if you’re unsure about how working part-time could impact your benefits, seeking the guidance of a disability law attorney can help you understand your options and confirm that you’re fully informed about your rights and responsibilities.
At Cannon Law Offices, PLLC, we understand that the rules surrounding disability benefits and part-time work can be confusing. We’re here to provide the legal support you need to help you make the best decisions for your future.
Our experienced attorneys are well versed in disability law and can assist you in understanding how working part-time might affect your SSDI or SSI benefits.
The First Steps
Cannon Law Offices, PLLC is here to help guide you through the intricacies of disability law and help you make informed decisions about your work options. We’re proud to serve Greenville, North Carolina and throughout the Pitt County area, including Beaufort County, Craven County, Lenoir County, Martin County, and Greene County. Contact us today.